General English A2 · Lesson 1A

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

be (am / is / are) at A2+ — with adjectives, prepositions & linkers

2 structures

Verb be (am / is / are)
We use be to say who or what somebody is, and how they feel.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›I am · you/we/they are · he/she/it is.
- ›Negative: add not → I'm not, she isn't, they aren't.
- ›Question: put be first → Are you ready? Is she Brazilian?
- ›Short answers: Yes, I am. / No, she isn't.
Examples
- “I'm Ana and I'm from São Paulo.”
- “She isn't at home — she's at work.”
- “Are you tired? Yes, I am.”
Watch out · Don't say “I have 30 years”. Use be for age: I'm 30 years old.
Your own example
Prepositions of place (in / on / at / under / next to…)
They say where somebody or something is.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›in = inside a space: in the office, in Brazil.
- ›on = on a surface or line: on the desk, on the second floor.
- ›at = at a point or place of activity: at home, at the bus stop.
- ›Other useful ones: under, behind, in front of, between, next to, opposite.
Examples
- “The keys are on the table, next to my bag.”
- “She's at work — her laptop is in the drawer.”
- “The pharmacy is opposite the bank, between the two cafés.”
Watch out · Say at home / at work (no the): I'm at the home ✗.
Your own example